Recent figures from the recently updated HSE 2016/17 Health and Safety census found that in the construction industry there were 137 worker deaths and 70 members of the public fatally injured during throughout this period. More than half of these accidents occurred as a result of 3 main injuries; falls from heights, contact with moving machinery, or being struck with a vehicle (railway-related incidents were excluded from the figures).
Falls, slips, and trips, were the most commonly reported accidents, and accounted for 35% of employee injuries. An estimated 1.9m working days were lost as a result of these incidents, many of which could have been avoided if the proper protocols had been followed.
Education and Training
The most important tool you have at your disposal is education. It is your responsibility to ensure that both you and your employees are aware of the correct behaviour when acting out roles that, when not performed correctly, can lead to casualties. Concrete casting, reinforcing, or welding, for instance, can all be the cause of future upper limb disorders. Workers also need to be instructed and trained how to lift with the appropriate technique. This can help prevent any future spinal injuries. When possible, though, manual handling should be outsourced to mechanical equipment.
At Minstrell Recruitment to help prevent some of these injuries, we offer a broad range of Health and Safety Training, covering all aspects of the construction environment. Our courses are adaptable and can be facilitated at a time and location convenient to you. Our policy is educating and informing workers of their rights and how to maintain their own safety as well as those they are working around. For more information on the courses we offer visit our Training page or call our Training Division on 03330 230056 / Option 3.
Equipment and Safeguards
Next is making sure all on-site equipment is up-to-code. Your employees can and should have all the education and training that is available, however if they are forced to work with substandard equipment, this will harm not only their productivity but possibly their livelihoods also. Sourcing equipment from trusted suppliers, is the easiest way to do this. All heavy machinery should be equipped with safety devices, such as sound signals or safety guards.
To ensure that your site is safe, all employees need to be made aware of who is in charge and the details of fire escape routes and your first-aid facilities. These need to be professionally inspected in order to ensure that you can offer suitable care in the event of an accident. Finally, to reduce the chance of accidents to members of the public, the site should be fenced off and fitted with the appropriate signage, such as directions for alternate routes and warnings that the site is for authorised personnel only.
In the best-case scenario, on-site accidents are limited to such a degree that they become a statistical anomaly. Until then, though, it’s crucial that you’re covered by the correct insurance policies for when an accident does occur. For any business that relies on a construction site, you need to be aware of the correct health and safety regulations.
For more information and to read the updated report visit the HSE website
Minstrell Training 